Retirement:  Getting stuff done:

Oh the time to do all the things you have been meaning to do – but some of them weren’t being done because you didn’t want to do them!! Like sort all the memoirs stuff you have been holding onto. Filing all the things you thought you wanted to refer to in the future.

My study is full of boxes. A consequence of moving. Do I really want this stuff?

I had thoughts of writing book on mental health in pregnancy, caring for yourself with chronic pain – useful things I have learned as patient/client and doc and blogging on getting older medicine as it comes out in the journals.  Or the state of the NHS and want contribution we can make.

But I got up after 10 and sat down at 11.30. after putting washing on.  Also had read part of book “The four tendencies” by Gretchen Rubin which describes four ways people approach life. Very helpful  paradigm. However as a “questioner” it throws up questions!!! And so brain cell could be diverted.  And it is this diversion that is a challenge everyday. Got to walk the dog for at least an hour about 1.30 and have lunch……

Do I make goals? Helpful to guide but don’t get upset if not achieved?

House renovation big goal.  I need comfortable, cosy warm welcoming gorgeous bright cheering house that is home.

Using the 4 tendencies paradigm I have been reading to predict the reactions : – Doing it with hubby who is rebel/obliger so quite hard to make tracks into sorting things; whatever I want to do he finds a “ better” thing to do or doesn’t want to bother me with the details. I find it helpful to get organised in the sense that at least I know what is involved so when hubby is running round in bad mood cos he has so much to do then I can help guide through the overwhelmingness. Or can signpost earlier.  But for me I tend to do all at the last minute too – just more personally aware so don’t blame everyone else!  So perhaps that has helped already!  Or is it just another layer for my brain cell? Currently looking to put in new boiler and central heating to heat house – much needed!

To decide re other goals!!!

Also Like: Leo Babuta who is doing a year when deepens rather than new. E.g. read all the books he has bought but not read rather than by new ones. Learn the hobbies he has rather than new ones. With this retirement advice is get new hobbies, pursue an interest you haven’t been able to and yes I have all those ideas, wishes, dreams  just I have so much stuff I was saving to do when retired and also ideas I am already committed to- in my work, women’s empowerment for one!  Perhaps now do women in old age empowerment!

House gets in the way? Hubby doesn’t want me to take up yet more interests he wants attention. And yes family and relationships important too.  And I am not a finisher so loads of new projects unfulfilled.  So liked the Leo approach too. And will take it on board as I move forward.  Is there a middle course, or don’t do it all at once And don’t get depressed if not doing loads of new things or finding loads of new friends. Enjoying catching up with old ones!